The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1887-04-21

Tallahassee was read:
When the reader took charge of the Office of
the SUPPLEMENTARY Of the Schools of this
county, 1877, he found little school in little
room at the home of the teacher-Mrs 8. F.
Huntress. This was at that time all there was of
the public school for white children In Tallahas-
see.
The next year this same little school was con-
tinued with the addition of department in the
male branch of the Seminary, supported by the
public fund. 10 this way we continued for sew
eral years.
In 1881 we added another branch in the female
department of the Seminary.
1t should be stated, however, that these depart
ments and the little school first mentioned were
not always continued for full term of eight
months, as is now the case.
l remember in the year 1883 what difficu lty
had in trying to find building for the county
school.
1t was arranged to consolidate the two depart
ments of the Seminary and to make il the Liter
airy Department OF the University, and the county
had to provide for the primary pupils. went
for two days seeking place for the school, and
it seemed several times almost a hopeless task.
A place was secured at last, however, and we
ran on with two teachers
In 1885 things began to brighten. As a last
act OF my administration the deeds were secured
to the lot on which We now stand.
The beginning of the present scholastic year
were employed. The scholastic year has nearly
passed, but we are proud of the fact that to-day
we enter our new building where we can consol-
idate all the departments and have ample room.
To look at the picture of ten years ago and the
picture of to-day must inspire any heart that has
spark of educational fire.
To myselfit is exceedingly gratifying, and not
from personal relation altogether. As a pub
lie educator, as a citizen of our town and our
county, point TO this achievement with pride.
This building exhibits an educational spri', as
has nothing else since the close of our disastrous
war over twenty years ago. 1t announces q new
era for Tallahassee. and for this reason ii should
be appreciated and valued by every citizen of
the town.
The address of Gov. Perry was full of sound,
practical advice 10 the patrons and students, and
was listened to with marked attention. His
presence gave an interest to the occ .sion that
was appreciated by all present.
Prof Patterson drew some beautiful lessons
from the several fsrAl designs hanging around
the room, that were valuable TO both old and
young. Prof Patterson has made for himself
place in the hearts Of our children, and he will
always meet a warm greeting whenever he may
find it convenient to visit US.
Major Russell 10 his talk to the boys and girls
was unusually felicitous and the beaming faces
told how much his remarks were appreciated.
The ceremonies closed with the formal presen.
tation of the building by the contractor Mr. T.
]. Rawls, to the school authorities.
All of the exercises were in the direction of
impressing upon patrons and pupils the great
importance Of schools and school interests. and
consequently taught a lesson that could not
have been gotten from the text books.
The professors and students of the West Flor
ida Seminary were present, aud were accorded
the seats Of honor rs visitors.
Quite y number of other visitors were pres
eni, among whom may be mentioned Hon. s. G.
Bott. Superintendent of Public Instruction of
Jefferson county.